Salvia fruticosa or Greek sage

Care of the plant Salvia fruticosa or Greek sage

The genus Salvia, family Lamiaceae, includes 1,000 species of shrubs and herbaceous plants native to Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean region, and Central and South America. Some species are: Salvia fruticosa, Salvia officinalis, Salvia splendens, Salvia scabra, Salvia nemorosa, Salvia namaensis, Salvia microphylla, Salvia mexicana, Salvia mellifera, Salvia leucantha, Salvia lanceolata, Salvia guaranitica, Salvia greggii, Salvia farinacea, Salvia disermas, Salvia canariensis, Salvia aurea, Salvia apiana, Salvia africana, Salvia vaseyi, Salvia leucophylla, Salvia sclarea, Salvia elegans.

Common name: Greek sage. This species is native to the eastern Mediterranean.

They are perennial sub-shrub plants that reach 80 cm (2.62 feet) in height. The aromatic, velvety lanceolate leaves are greyish-green. Showy lavender-pink flowers appear in spikes above the leaves. They bloom in spring.

These fast-growing plants are used in rockeries, on dry and sunny slopes, on edges, as isolated specimens and in pots for patios and terraces. The leaves, dried or fresh, are used as a condiment in cooking. They attract butterflies and bees.

Salvia fruticosa needs full sun exposure and a hot, dry climate. They resist frost down to -12 ºC (10.4 ºF).

They grow in any type of soil that is very well drained, be it poor, stony or sandy. They do not grow well in soils very rich in organic matter.

They are very resistant to drought plants that need occasional watering in spring and in summer, always waiting for the substrate to dry completely. In autumn and winter water very little.

They do not need fertilizer.

Prune lightly in late winter to maintain a compact habit.

They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases but sensitive to excess watering.

They are propagated by cuttings during spring or summer.